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chorwedel · Aug 1, 2009, 02:37 PM

Can someone possibly identify the make of my stem valve.. . most likely the original in a house built in 1960.

My cold water valve leaks through the shower head.

The brass is broken & cracked all around the rubber seal at the end so replacing the seals doesn't help.

I thought it was a Central Brass because of the handle, but I don't find it anywhere.

The length is 4 3/4"

hkstroud · Aug 1, 2009, 04:23 PM

Are you speaking of the brass cup at the end of the stem where the washer fits. If so, these should be available where washers are sold.

chorwedel · Aug 1, 2009, 05:31 PM

Yes, that's the section of the stem that's messed up, but it's not replaceable. It's part of the stem.

hkstroud · Aug 1, 2009, 05:43 PM

Remove the screw and washer. Bet it pulls off, might be a little corroded after all these years.

chorwedel · Aug 1, 2009, 06:45 PM

Man, I wish you were right, but I took a second look and it is indeed one solid piece - no doubt.

You can't see it in the pic I posted, but this thing is casted. There are "seems" on the stem that run all the way down to the back side of the cup.

Many thanks for trying. Much appreciated.

hkstroud · Aug 1, 2009, 07:04 PM

Take it to a good plumbing supply house (where plumbers go to buy stuff). You would be surprised how long plumbing parts can be around. Maybe Tom or Mark can identify the brand.

Next option would be to rebuild it with silver solder.

hkstroud · Aug 1, 2009, 07:14 PM

Of course you could always Google "Central Brass plumbing parts" and compare yours to what you find. Kind of hard to really compare from pictures. Here is what I found at.Stem Brass Tub and Shower Repair Valve Hot Water - eBay (item 200246974801 end time Aug-10-09 11:52:19 PDT)

chorwedel · Aug 1, 2009, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by hkstroud

Take it to a good plumbing supply house (where plumbers go to buy stuff). You would be surprised how long plumbing parts can be around. Maybe Tom or Mark can identify the brand.

Next option would be to rebuild it with silver solder.

I took it to a reputable local hardware store who supposedly has everything & knows everything plumbing. He said he's had many people come in with the same part, but was never able to figure out what brand it was. I doubt that's where actual plumbers go. I do know a friend of a friend who's a plumber. I'll run it by him. Definitely a good idea before I tear out the old and replace the whole thing.

Just curious: how do your rebuild it with solder? And would this be strong enough to contain the lateral force of the rubber washer when it's shut off?

Thanks again

hkstroud · Aug 1, 2009, 07:20 PM

See the edit of my post.

I think I would try to find a stainless steel rod the diameter of the inside of the "cup". Put the end of it in the cup just like the washer, to shape the solder on the inside, then solder around the outside. Filling in the missing metal. File the outside round. In reality, I would fill in the missing metal and then put it on my lathe and machine it.

chorwedel · Aug 1, 2009, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by hkstroud

Of course you could always Google "Central Brass plumbing parts" and compare yours to what you find. Kind of hard to really compare from pictures. Here is what I found at.
Stem Valve - Brass and Tub Shower Hot or Cold Water - eBay (item 200248672213 end time Aug-17-09 09:54:39 PDT)

I've spent hours doing just that. Found some that came close, but no exact match.. . maybe contact Central Brass directly? Don't know if they would talk to such a novice like me.

hkstroud · Aug 1, 2009, 07:39 PM

Any replacement stem which has the same diameter and thread on the stem sleave, so that it will screw into your valve body, and has the same size washer should work for you.

massplumber2008 · Aug 1, 2009, 07:48 PM

Hi guys...

I don't recognize the brand... but this may be repairable as suggested by Harold... ;)

If it is the end cup that is damaged then you can remove the washer and screw and then file the existing washer RETAINER down so that you can install a new washer retainer cup... see image.

Most plumbing supply companies still sell these. Bring the stem and washer/screw with you to a local plumbing supply store and they should be able to set you up... or head you in a better direction.

MARK

hkstroud · Aug 1, 2009, 07:56 PM

Chorwedel,

Now you have some one on the scene that knows what he is talking about.

massplumber2008 · Aug 1, 2009, 07:58 PM

He had someone that knew what they were talkin' about before I got here... ;) I just had a nice picture of the retainer is all... :)

Getting a beer and signing off!

chorwedel · Aug 1, 2009, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

He had someone that knew what they were talkin' about before I got here...;) I just had a nice picture of the retainer is all...:)

Getting a beer and signing off!

Thank you gentlemen. Very good advise. I will sip one with you.

Chris